Scientists at CSIR-CCMB Discover Protein Flexibility That Empowers Plants to Multitask Effortlessly
New research from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad has revealed that proteins do not always maintain a fixed three-dimensional structure to carry out their functions. Instead, the flexibility in their structures allows them to perform multiple roles, fundamentally changing our understanding of protein dynamics within biological systems. This study provides insights into how plants can fine-tune RNA processing without needing to expand their protein repertoire, especially in the absence of adaptive immunity. The implications of these findings could lead to significant advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, as they enable scientists to design proteins that can multitask more effectively.
According to the study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, two structurally identical plant proteins exhibit different substrate specificity due to variations in flexibility. One of these proteins, noted for its greater flexibility, can bind to a wider range of substrate RNA molecules by dynamically rearranging itself to fit the shapes of its molecular partners, all while maintaining stability—an essential aspect of gene regulation. Artwork accompanying the study illustrates the various structures the RNA-binding protein can interact with.
Utilizing a powerful technique known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy alongside sophisticated computational methods, researchers identified small populations of protein structures—just 1%—that briefly transition into different shapes. These rare alterations are vital for recognizing diverse RNA forms and explain how plants manage complex gene regulation with a limited number of proteins.
Dr. Mandar V Deshmukh, the study’s lead author, stated, “What we have shown is that a protein’s ability to change shape, even slightly, can be just as important as its structure.” He emphasized that capturing these transient dynamic states showcases how proteins can flex and adjust during interactions, giving them a functional advantage in complex cellular environments. This adaptability allows organisms to efficiently regulate genes in varying conditions, which could transform approaches to developing new medicines or enhancing plant traits.
The research also highlights how minor changes in a protein’s sequence, specifically within a few non-active site amino acid residues, can lead to significant functional differences. This finding underlines the importance of studying both the structural and dynamic properties of proteins, particularly those that serve as potential drug targets. Joint first authors Debadutta Patra and Jaydeep Paul remarked, “Our results reveal nature’s originality in designing a unique approach to grant promiscuity to a few proteins.”
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/csir-ccmb-scientists-uncover-how-protein-flexibility-enables-multitasking-in-plants/articleshow/121040728.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-05-10 01:11:00
